Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

One of seven Park visitor centers, the Bowles House sits along an empty canal bed in Hancock.
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.
Map showing location of park.
NPS Rangers, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Representative April McClain Delaney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly, and the C&O Canal Trust CEO welcome visitors to the park
National Park Service completes a Great American Outdoors project along the C&O Canal towpath
The National Park Service (NPS) today celebrated the completion of the stabilization project of a historic drylaid stone wall at Mile 11 with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. This approximately 1,015 linear foot long wall historically called the “Log Wall” plays a critical role in supporting the towpath and the canal prism and protecting them from the waters of the Potomac River. The rehabilitated historic wall ensures future generations will continue to learn and enjoy the C&O Canal in its historical context.
Georgetown University, National Park Service and District of Columbia announce agreement to increase public waterfront access along the Georgetown Waterfront
Under the terms of the agreement, Georgetown will donate a parcel of land on the Potomac River to the National Park Service to be added to the boundary of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This parcel includes an easement along the Capital Crescent Trail, which would be extinguished when the land is donated. This will allow for uninterrupted use of the trail by the public.
Share your ideas for the future of Great Falls, Maryland
The National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to comment on their experiences and ideas for the future of the Great Falls (Maryland) area of Chesapeake & Canal National Historical Park. Everyone is invited to help shape the long-term vision for the area and provide feedback through July 28.
Twelve-year-old Kenard Brisbon, a Washington Global Public Charter School student, participates in an obstacle course meant to simulate the Shad Run at Fletcher’s Cove on Earth Day, April 22, 2025
Shad, casts, and smiles: Washington, D.C. children celebrate Earth Day at Fletchers Cove
Seventh graders from Washington, D.C. explored nature, history, and fishing at Fletchers Cove during an Earth Day event hosted by the National Park Service and Friends of Fletchers Cove. Hands-on activities fostered environmental awareness, sparked curiosity, and highlighted the value of accessible outdoor experiences in urban communities.
National Parks in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. Provide More Than 42,000 Meals of Donated Venison to Neighbors
Venison donations from national parks of the National Capital Region in 2025.
The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac
Photo by NPS photo
A single bike rider on the towpath next to the widewater section of the canal.
Photo by NPS photo
A whitewashed lockhouse sits above a stone lock with wooden crib.
Photo by NPS photo
Fog over the Potomac River alongside the Canal towpath.
Photo by NPS photo
A replica double decker canal boat is being pulled upstream by mules.
Photo by NPS photo/Buckner